But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant of the Ammonites, and Geshem the Arabian heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, "What is this that ye do? Will ye fall away again from the king?"

And when Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the others of our enemies heard that I had builded the wall, and that there were no more gaps therein - howbeit at the same time had I not hanged the doors upon the gates - Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, "Come and let us meet together in the villages upon the plain of the city Ono." Nevertheless, they thought to do me evil. read more. Notwithstanding, I sent messengers unto them, saying, "I have a great business to do, I cannot come down. The work should stand still, if I were negligent, and came down to you." Howbeit they sent unto me as good as four times after the same manner. And I gave the same answer. Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me the fifth time, with an open letter in his hand, wherein was written, "It is told the Heathen, and Geshem hath said it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for the which cause thou buildest the wall, and wilt be their king in these matters; and hast ordained the Prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, and to say, 'He is king of Judah.' Now shall this come to the king's ears: come now therefore, and let us take our counsel together." Nevertheless, I sent unto him, saying, "There is no such thing done as thou sayest: thou hast feigned it out of thine own heart." For they were all minded to make us afraid and thought, "They shall withdraw their hands from the work, that they shall not labour." Howbeit I strengthened my hand the more.